Definition

Cardiac arrest means that the heart suddenly stops beating. This is due to a problem with the heart's electrical system. When cardiac arrest occurs, emergency medical care needs to be provided right away. If it is not, the person can quickly die since blood is not being pumped throughout the body.

Cardiac arrest is not the same as a
heart attack
. When a person has a heart attack, the blood flow to the heart is interrupted. This may be due to problems with the coronary arteries, such as a build-up of plaque, a blood clot, or a thickening of the artery walls.

Symptoms

Prior to cardiac arrest, some people report the following symptoms or warning signs in the weeks before the event:

Having chest pain

Feeling weak

Having a pounding sensation in the chest

Feeling faint

Diagnosis

The first person to respond to a cardiac arrest should check if the person is responsive. If the person does not respond, call for emergency medical services right away or have someone else call. If there is an automated external defibrillator (AED) available, you or someone else should get it and follow the steps on the machine.

After calling emergency medical services, CPR will be started if the person is not breathing normally. If no AED is available or while you are waiting for it, begin doing
CPR
by giving chest compressions. Push the chest in at least two inches at a fast rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. If you are trained in CPR, after 30 compressions, open the person's airway and give two rescue breaths. Then, continue with the chest compressions. If you feel more comfortable, you can give the compressions without the breaths until the ambulance arrives.

Treatment

Prompt treatment improves the chance of survival. The four steps in the cardiac chain of survival are:

Call for Emergency Medical Services

Call for emergency medical services right away, especially if you notice cardiac warning signs or suspect cardiac arrest has occurred.

Defibrillation

Defibrillation sends an electrical shock through the chest. The surge of electricity aims to stop the ineffective, irregular heart rhythm. This may allow the heart to resume a more normal electrical pattern. AEDs check the heart rhythm before instructing the rescuer to give the shock.

Start CPR

CPR helps keep blood and oxygen flowing to the heart and brain until other treatment can be given. The heart and brain are very susceptible to low oxygen levels. Permanent damage can occur, even with successful resuscitation.

Advanced Medical Care

Emergency medical personnel at the scene and doctors at the hospital will provide essential medical care and intensive monitoring. They will give drugs, insert a tube to maintain an open airway, and manage emergency care. Epinephrine is often given early to make the heart more receptive to electrical impulses and to improve blood flow to the heart and brain. The patient will receive oxygen.

Therapeutic hypothermia is another type of treatment that may be used at the hospital. This involves lowering the person's body temperature to 89°-93°F (32°-34°C) by using cold blankets, ice packs, and infusions of cool saline. This cooling of the body is done in an effort to aid brain function and recovery. The person's body may remain at this temperature for an extended period of time (such as 12-24 hours).

Even in cases where an effective heart rhythm has been restored, low oxygen levels can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, and other vital organs.

Prevention

You may be able to lower your risk of cardiac arrest by:

Learning the warning signs of heart disease and getting help right away if you develop any

Talking to your doctor about ways to become healthier if you are already diagnosed with a heart condition—For example, your doctor may recommend that you take medication to prevent arrhythmias.

Asking your doctor if you should have an AED in your home if you are at high risk of having cardiac arrest

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